Lee Kong Chian NUS–Stanford Fellowship 2027–2028: US$8,000 Monthly Stipend for Southeast Asia Researchers

The Lee Kong Chian NUS–Stanford Fellowship 2027–2028 is inviting applications from scholars and professionals interested in conducting research on contemporary Southeast Asia at Stanford University in the United States.

The fellowship provides an opportunity for researchers in the social sciences and humanities to pursue independent research, develop scholarly publications, and engage with an international academic community.

Selected fellows will receive a monthly stipend of US$8,000 for the duration of their appointment, along with one round-trip economy-class airfare between their home country and Stanford University.

Applications for the 2027–2028 fellowship are currently open. Interested candidates must submit their application and supporting documents by January 25, 2027 (Pacific Time).

Fellowship Overview

About the Lee Kong Chian NUS–Stanford Fellowship

The Lee Kong Chian Fellowship is the flagship component of the Lee Kong Chian NUS–Stanford Initiative on Southeast Asia, a collaborative academic initiative established in 2007 by the National University of Singapore (NUS) and Stanford University.

The initiative seeks to strengthen research and scholarship on contemporary Southeast Asia by supporting academic inquiry, encouraging intellectual exchange, and expanding the international visibility of research on the region.

The fellowship supports scholars and professionals undertaking research and writing projects related to contemporary Southeast Asia. Fellows become part of an academic community where they can exchange ideas, present their research, participate in seminars, and engage with researchers across Stanford University.

Research activities associated with the fellowship are supported by the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at NUS and the Southeast Asia Program within Stanford’s Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center.

Important Information About the Fellowship Location

The Lee Kong Chian Fellowship is no longer offered as a joint-residency program between NUS and Stanford.

For the 2027–2028 academic year:

• Fellows appointed through Stanford will be hosted at Stanford's Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC).

• Fellows appointed through NUS will be hosted at the National University of Singapore.

• Applicants seeking a fellowship appointment at NUS must apply through the NUS application portal.

This announcement concerns the 2027–2028 Lee Kong Chian Fellowship at Stanford's APARC.

Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship provides financial and academic support to enable researchers to concentrate on their proposed research projects while participating in Stanford's intellectual community.

1. Monthly Financial Stipend

Selected fellows receive a monthly stipend of US$8,000 throughout their fellowship appointment.

The stipend is intended to support fellows during their research and writing period at Stanford.

2. International Travel Support

The fellowship provides one round-trip economy-class airfare between the fellow's home country and Stanford University.

Exceptions to the standard travel arrangement may be considered under special circumstances.

3. Research and Academic Development

Fellows have the opportunity to advance their research projects in an academic environment that encourages interdisciplinary discussion and scholarly collaboration.

They can present their work, participate in seminars and workshops, and exchange ideas with researchers working on related topics.

4. Academic Networking

The fellowship provides opportunities to connect with scholars and professionals whose work addresses Southeast Asia, including research on political economy, social change, religion, environmental issues, and other contemporary regional developments.

Eligibility Requirements

The fellowship welcomes applications from individuals with professional backgrounds and ongoing positions in the social sciences or humanities.

Applicants should have a research project that focuses on or is meaningfully related to contemporary Southeast Asia.

The following eligibility considerations apply:

• Nationality: Applicants from all countries are welcome.

• Career stage: Researchers at different career stages may apply.

• Professional background: Candidates should have professional experience or an ongoing position in the social sciences or humanities.

• Research focus: The proposed project must address contemporary Southeast Asia or contribute meaningfully to scholarship on the region.

• Research experience: Applicants should be able to demonstrate their capacity to undertake the proposed research and writing project.

• English-language publication: Applicants must provide a sample of published work in English that relates directly or indirectly to their proposed research.

The fellowship is not restricted to one nationality or a single academic career stage. Applicants should carefully review the official application requirements to determine whether their professional background and proposed research align with the fellowship's objectives.

Fellowship Duration and Research Period

The fellowship will take place during the 2027–2028 academic year.

Appointments must begin and conclude within the period of September 1, 2027, to June 30, 2028.

Fellows will spend two to three quarters at Stanford University, with the exact duration determined in consultation with the selected candidate.

Applicants must include a proposed fellowship schedule in their application, clearly indicating their anticipated dates of residence at Stanford.

The proposed schedule should demonstrate how the fellowship period will support the completion of the research and writing activities outlined in the project statement.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must complete the online application form and upload all required supporting materials.

1. Curriculum Vitae

Submit a full curriculum vitae that includes your academic and professional background, research experience, and publications.

The CV should provide a clear overview of your qualifications and scholarly contributions.

2. Research Project Statement

Prepare a project statement of no more than three pages.

The statement must explain:

• The central analytical questions guiding the proposed research.

• The project's interpretation and principal arguments.

• Its intellectual contribution to scholarship on Southeast Asia.

• The research and writing activities planned during the fellowship.

• The specific outcomes expected from the project.

Applicants should clearly explain what they intend to accomplish during their time at Stanford and how the fellowship will contribute to their research objectives.

3. Proposed Fellowship Schedule

Provide a detailed schedule outlining the proposed fellowship period.

The schedule should include the anticipated dates of residence at Stanford and explain how the fellowship period will be used to carry out the proposed research and writing activities.

4. Sample of Published Work

Applicants must submit a sample of their published work in English.

The selected publication should be directly or indirectly related to the proposed research project and demonstrate the applicant's scholarly writing and research capabilities.

5. Academic Referees

Provide the full contact information of three academic referees.

Include their names and email addresses. The referees should be able to evaluate the research proposal and the applicant's qualifications if contacted.

How to Apply for the Lee Kong Chian Fellowship 2027–2028

Applications must be submitted through the official Stanford application process.

Follow these steps to complete your application:

Step 1: Visit the official Lee Kong Chian Fellowship at APARC webpage.

Step 2: Access the online application form provided on the fellowship webpage.

Step 3: Complete the application form with accurate academic, professional, and contact information.

Step 4: Prepare your curriculum vitae, research project statement, proposed fellowship schedule, published work sample, and academic referee details.

Step 5: Upload all required documents to the online application form.

Step 6: Review your application to ensure that all information and supporting materials are complete.

Step 7: Submit your application before the stated deadline.

Applicants should retain a copy of their submitted application and monitor their email for any communication from the fellowship administrators.

Application Deadline and Selection Results

The deadline for submitting the completed application and all required supporting documents is:

January 25, 2027 (Pacific Time)

Applications must be received by the deadline to be considered.

The fellowship selection results are expected to be announced in spring 2027.

Applicants should ensure that their research proposal, supporting documents, and referee information are ready well before the closing date.

Official Application Link

Interested applicants can access the official fellowship information and application form through Stanford University's Asia-Pacific Research Center.

Official fellowship webpage:
https://aparc.fsi.stanford.edu/southeastasia/lee-kong-chian-fellowship

Applicants seeking an appointment at NUS should use the separate NUS application portal rather than the Stanford application process.

Contact Information

For questions about the fellowship or the application process, applicants may contact:

Kana Igarashi Limpanukorn
Southeast Asia Program
Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center
Encina Hall E-301
Stanford University
616 Jane Stanford Way
Stanford, CA 94305-6055, USA

Email: kilimpan@stanford.edu
Telephone: (650) 723-9744

For information concerning international scholars at Stanford, applicants may also consult Stanford University's Bechtel International Center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Lee Kong Chian Fellowship open to international applicants?

Yes. Applicants of all nationalities and career stages are encouraged to apply, provided their professional background and proposed research align with the fellowship's requirements.

How much funding does the fellowship provide?

The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of US$8,000 for the duration of the appointment, along with one round-trip economy-class airfare between the fellow's home country and Stanford University.

Where will Stanford-appointed fellows conduct their research?

Stanford-appointed fellows will be hosted at the Asia-Pacific Research Center (APARC) and based on the Stanford University campus.

How long does the fellowship last?

Fellows spend two to three quarters at Stanford. The exact duration is determined in consultation with the selected fellow.

What is the application deadline?

The deadline for the 2027–2028 fellowship is January 25, 2027, Pacific Time.

When will applicants receive the results?

The fellowship results are expected to be announced in spring 2027.

Can applicants apply for the fellowship at NUS?

Yes. However, applicants seeking an appointment at NUS must apply through the separate NUS application portal.

Final Note

The Lee Kong Chian NUS–Stanford Fellowship offers a valuable opportunity for scholars and professionals to advance research on contemporary Southeast Asia while receiving financial support and engaging with an international academic community.

Candidates interested in the 2027–2028 fellowship should begin preparing their research statements, publication samples, and supporting documents early to ensure that their applications are submitted before the January 25, 2027 deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to consult the official Stanford fellowship webpage for the latest application information and requirements.